New Ohio website makes it easy to report unemployment fraud
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The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is making it easier than ever to report suspected unemployment fraud by allowing anyone to report fraud online, instantly and anonymously.
“This is the latest tool in an arsenal of methods Ohioans can use to report possible unemployment fraud,” said ODJFS Director Michael Colbert. “Committing unemployment compensation fraud is a serious offense, which the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services does not tolerate.”
Ohioans who suspect fraud are urged to go to https://unemployment.ohio.gov/fraud and click on “REPORT FRAUD.”
Last year, ODJFS disbursed more than $5 billion in state and federal unemployment compensation. In the last 12 months, the agency identified more than $31 million in fraudulent, overpaid benefits.
In most cases, fraud occurs when people attempt to collect unemployment benefits while they are working or after they return to work.
ODJFS pursues criminal prosecution against anyone who flagrantly commits fraud. Those found guilty of fraud face probation or jail time, must repay the improperly obtained funds with interest, and may have future unemployment benefits withheld.
In 2010, more than 150 individuals in Ohio were found guilty of unemployment theft or similar charges.
Ohio loses about $31 million a year to fraudulent unemployment claims. The state estimates that 18,000 claimants collect unemployment while they are working or after they have returned to work.
Ohio owes the federal government $2.3 billion for a loan to cover unemployment compensation.
In addition to the “REPORT FRAUD” link at https://unemployment.ohio.gov/fraud, Ohioans also can report possible fraud via mail (to Benefit Payment Control, P.O. Box 1618, Columbus, OH 43219- 1618), email (ucbenprotest@jfs.ohio.gov), fax (1-614-752-4808) or by calling the toll-free fraud hotline at 1-800-686-1555.
“This is the latest tool in an arsenal of methods Ohioans can use to report possible unemployment fraud,” said ODJFS Director Michael Colbert. “Committing unemployment compensation fraud is a serious offense, which the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services does not tolerate.”
Ohioans who suspect fraud are urged to go to https://unemployment.ohio.gov/fraud and click on “REPORT FRAUD.”
Last year, ODJFS disbursed more than $5 billion in state and federal unemployment compensation. In the last 12 months, the agency identified more than $31 million in fraudulent, overpaid benefits.
In most cases, fraud occurs when people attempt to collect unemployment benefits while they are working or after they return to work.
ODJFS pursues criminal prosecution against anyone who flagrantly commits fraud. Those found guilty of fraud face probation or jail time, must repay the improperly obtained funds with interest, and may have future unemployment benefits withheld.
In 2010, more than 150 individuals in Ohio were found guilty of unemployment theft or similar charges.
Ohio loses about $31 million a year to fraudulent unemployment claims. The state estimates that 18,000 claimants collect unemployment while they are working or after they have returned to work.
Ohio owes the federal government $2.3 billion for a loan to cover unemployment compensation.
In addition to the “REPORT FRAUD” link at https://unemployment.ohio.gov/fraud, Ohioans also can report possible fraud via mail (to Benefit Payment Control, P.O. Box 1618, Columbus, OH 43219- 1618), email (ucbenprotest@jfs.ohio.gov), fax (1-614-752-4808) or by calling the toll-free fraud hotline at 1-800-686-1555.